New Jersey school districts looks to cut costs with custodians

NEWARK, NJ – School administrators in New Jersey are contemplating whether or not outsourcing janitorial work would be the answer to cash-strapped school districts looking to shed costs, according to The Star-Ledger.

This puts custodial workers across the state at risk of losing their jobs as a growing number of districts face looming financial crunches.

In the Parsippany and Bridgewater-Raritan districts, for example, outsourcing could affect more than 160 janitors, stated the article.

However, some parents, who are mindful of the value of cleaning, have concerns.

"When it comes to the safety of our children, you just can’t put a price on that," parent Jill Volarich said at a recent Parsippany school board meeting.

According to the article, if custodians are let go, it could free at least $1 million for the 2010-2011 school year.